A WILTSHIRE councillor has issed an apology to the owners of Old Sarum Airfield.

It comes after what the Airfield directors describe as "a long period of publicly detailed inaccurate statements".

Ian McLennan, Labour councillor for Laverstock, Ford and Old Sarum issued the apology on Twitter on Friday, saying: "I understand my comments have caused personal offence and distress.

"I would like to sincerely apologise for any offence or distress caused."

The directors of the airfield, Grenville Hodge and Matthew Hudson, said Cllr McLennan made the statements and quotes on social media as well as "news stories within the mainstream media", which they felt needed to be addressed "and the record set straight".

'I would like to sincerely apologise'

Cllr McLennan's statement said: "Over the course of last year (2020), I made various comments on Facebook, Twitter, and the Salisbury Journal website in response to concerns raised about the operation of Old Sarum Airfield, and the condition of Hangar 3 in particular. Hangar 3 is a Grade II* Listed property.

"Some of those comments referred to Grenville Hodge and Matthew Hudson in connection with the current condition of Old Sarum Airfield. I understand from Mr Hodge and Mr Hudson that my comments have caused them personal offence and distress.

"I would like to sincerely apologise for any offence or distress caused to them by my comments – it was certainly not my intention to do so.

"I am sorry if those comments have contributed to any misunderstandings about Mr Hodge and Mr Hudson’s intentions and actions relating to Old Sarum Airfield."

Grenville Hodge, Old Sarum Airfield....Picture by Tom Gregory..07/10/2014..DC5725P3.

Grenville Hodge, Old Sarum Airfield....Picture by Tom Gregory..07/10/2014..DC5725P3.

'Significant personal and financial commitment'

Cllr McLennan goes on to say that he has been informed that both Mr Hodge and Mr Hudson have made a "significant personal and financial commitment to the continuation of Old Sarum Airfield over the last 30 years".

In addition, he says, he understands that Mr Hudson and his family previously invested "a significant amount of money" in order to rescue the Optica Aircraft company in 1987, which was operating at Old Sarum Airfield at the time.

He added: "I have also been informed that neither Mr Hudson nor Mr Hodge have received any return of the investments nor any remuneration for their efforts in connection with Optica, Old Sarum Airfield or Hangar 3.

"I understand that both Mr Hodge and Mr Hudson are keen to restore the condition of Old Sarum Airfield, and Hangar 3 in particular, in order to protect the heritage of the airfield.

"I am sorry if my comments have in any way misconstrued their intentions towards the preservation of Old Sarum Airfield and Hangar 3."

Salisbury Journal:

Old Sarum Airfield owner Matthew Hudson

Matthew Hudson said: “We have sought, through legal process, the clarification and correction of misinformation and inaccurate comments through the media and social media as circulated by Councillor McLennan and are delighted that our position has been upheld and Councillor McLennan has publically acknowledged his actions and mistakes.

"Our intentions remain completely focused on protecting the airfield and heritage assets. We also look forward to working with our ward councillor and other members of Wiltshire Council to ensure a long term sustainable future is achieved for the Old Sarum airfield.”

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